For the first time since the worldwide monkeypox outbreak, no new cases have been detected in our country for a week. ‘This is very good news, but the question will be how it will evolve’, says virologist Steven Van Gucht (Sciensano).
Official Sciensano figures released Tuesday show 785 confirmed monkeypox infections. That’s the same number as last week. For the first time since May, no new cases of monkeypox have been identified in our country.
Very good news, says virologist Steven Van Gucht. He explains the reduction in the number of cases through the combination of fewer (international) events, extra immunity through infection and vaccination, but also through increased caution in the community with the greatest risk: that of men who have sex with men (MSM).
But the virologist also warns. “It’s not certain it’s going to disappear forever. In the short term we may see a few more cases, but especially towards the spring we have to stay alert when the events increase again. I still hope for immunity, and cases can easily be avoided with the necessary awareness.’
“But new cases can be reintroduced, from Africa, where there may be ongoing low circulation from animal sources. Or from MSM networks, certainly in countries where there is a taboo on MSM. Outbreaks are much more difficult to contain there. We hope that we will completely get rid of the virus, although we will have to take the situation there more seriously.’
Van Gucht also emphasizes that the virus can change. “It’s theoretical, but the more the virus can spread, the greater the chance of mutations, which can be more contagious.”